An Adam Dunn homer, his 16th of the year, was responsible for both White Sox runs.

Sale, a first-round pick out of Florida Gulf Coast University in 2010, had family and friends in attendance for the game in St. Pete.

The 15 strikeouts matched the major league high for 2012 set by Max Scherzer against the Pirates on May 20.

The Rays kept the game close and got 10 strikeouts from their own starter, Matt Moore, in a losing cause. Today’s game was the first of the season to feature two starters with double-digit strikeouts. It happened twice last season. Arizona’s Ian Kennedy struck out 10 and Philadelphia’s Cliff Lee K’d 12 on April 25, 2011. San Francisco’s Tim Lincecum and Florida’s Javier Vazquez both fanned 10 on Aug. 13.

Sale is 3-1 with a 1.82 ERA in four starts since the White Sox aborted his move to the bullpen and the closer’s role earlier this month. One still wonders if he’ll hold up physically, but the White Sox are certainly a whole lot better off right now with him starting and Addison Reed finishing up.

So wait, I’m confused. Did Sale lose the closer’s mentality? Is it in a box in his locker with a sign that says ‘Do not open until your are demoted to the bullpen’? Or maybe, he carries it into his starts? If he goes for a complete game, is he more intense, tougher or grittier in the 9th? This is so confusing.

ESPN just released their power rankings earlier today for the MLB, putting the 26-22 (at the time, 27-22 now) White Sox at #13. Not only do they have the 2nd best run differential in the American League, but they just SWEPT the now 1/2 game in 1st place, negative run differential Cleveland Indians. By the way the Cleveland Indians moved up to #6 this week. Are they even watching baseball in Bristol or is the NBA just that interesting? ESPN sucks

This kid has been great just doing what he is asked to do. He spent little time in the minors after he was drafted and was projected to be in the show from the start. Great attitude and big talent. Go-Go White Sox!